Continental Ranch Safety Fair Event on Halloween Day, Marana, AZLong Realty and Long Companies are sponsoring this free community event held on Halloween Day.So many cool things going on this day.Prizes and giveaways -- Register to win a laptop! Talk with vendors about possible safety issues in your home. Other great highlights available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. include:Flu Shots Available Learn self defense maneuvers!Watch and Learn CRP compression techniques.For this little ones - early trick or treating!  Visit our Photo Booth and have free photos taken! Check out the temporary identification tattoos available for your children. Gather up a pool safety kit!  Get your kids fingerprinted by the Marana Police! Visit our NW Firemen!Bring donations for the Marana Food Bank! Continental Ranc... 10/17/2015

Pima Cotton, Clark Farms, and Marana AZ HistoryIn the last Community and Regional Update Meeting I attended, sponsored by the Marana Chamber of Commerce, I have to say I got doggone excited over our farming history!  Can I say it has something to do with years of dairy farming near Green Bay, WI?  I'll never tell - but I did enjoy hearing about the innovative tractors that eliminate all those repeat trips over the same plot of land !!! (once a farmer, always a farmer)But let me start at the beginning.  First of all, these update meetings are free, and open to the public.  If you don't mind being somewhere at 7:30 a.m. - this might be a good avenue for you!Tom Clark was a guest speaker this past month, and he told us stories of the first Cotton gin where MacDonald's sits now near Marana ... 10/05/2015

Marana Home Sales Affected By Decreasing InventoryIt's been interesting reading the market reports lately.  Sales are down a bit -- not because of a lack of buyers, but because of  a lack of inventory!Take Dove Mountain, for instance.  There are very different communities in this area, but there's a grouping of affordable neighborhood homes that include Villages of Dove Mountain, Quail Crossing, and Villages at Red Hawk.  All in all, just under 650 homes.Currently, .011 of them are listed for sale, all but one available for under $190,000.I thought I'd try a few other NW Tucson neighborhoods just to check the trend.Skyranch (Meritage Homes for resale in community off Camino de Manana) - .030 percent listed for sale, $225K - $349KGladden Farms:  1237 homes - .018 percent are listed for s... 09/21/2015

Gladden Farms Marana Market Summer SnapshotIn the sprawling neighborhoods of Gladden Farms, inventory is up a bit for the summer months.  Currently, there are 29 ACTIVE listings for sale, 8 Active Contingent with contracts, and 23 CLOSED over the past 90 days. Seven homes closed in July.Selling averages took 46 days on the market to get an accepted offer over the past 90 days, with those selling in the past month (save one at 52)  being quick sales in 32 days or less. That tells us that homes priced right can count on quick sales.Average sold homes were priced at $175,571, down from July’s blog post of $186,482. High sale was $231,000 for 2456 square feet, formerly $257,000 for a property just under 2700 square feet.  No homes with pools sold. Of continuing interest, homes sold for almo... 08/07/2015

Gladden Farms Area Welcomes Heritage River Park Splash Pad in MaranaFun in the sun! In keeping with the rural environment of the Marana Heritage River Park, July 31, 2015 marks the grand opening of the Agriculturally-Themed Heritage River Park Splash located in the Gladden Farms community.(photo by Town of Marana)Admission is free and everyone is welcome!  Kids and adults alike will enjoy the farming and agriculture theme with windmills, tractors, sunflowers and more at this family-friendly addition to the Gladden Farms area. (Photo by Town of Marana)The splash pad covers an area encompassing 4500 square feet against a backdrop of Tucson Mountains.Nearby, visitors can also enjoy the River Park's biking and walking trails. Regarding the Grand Opening, the splash pad will be open from 10 ... 07/20/2015

Gladden Farms Marana Market SnapshotIn the sprawling neighborhoods of Gladden Farms, 56 homes are currently on TARMLS, with three new construction, the rest resale of existing properties.  The link provided will also show available properties in nearby Rancho Marana and San Lucas.  For this blog report, I did not factor in short sales and foreclosures since market conditions have improved substantially.  Of those 43, 21 are ACTIVE and for sale, 10 are under contract and Active Contingent, and 22 have sold in the past 90 days.Of those sold, average days on the market were 58, but some were on as long a 206 days, and two sold in four days.     Average sold homes were priced at $186,482 with a high sale of $257,000 for a property just under 2700 square feet.  Three sold with pools. Of inte... 07/11/2015

Bianchi's Restaurant Is Open in Marana!I've never attended a grand opening at a restaurant before, but my husband and I enjoy Bianchi's at their Speedway location, and this was going to be much closer.We took off to get there by 5.  There were about six cars in the parking lot.This was about 5:20 - notice the line to order?  Notice the tables?  The other room, a large bar area, was full up when we left around six, as well as what looks like a "party" room.Yep...looked like a successful opening to me.Oh...and the food?Here's Chicken Parmesan swimming in cheese and the best red sauce (gravy, to NY Italians I hear....) ever.  Healthy side of bread as well.  :)  Or, maybe not so healthy, but I skipped lunch to enjoy this feast.And, there's two meals left over from my portion!So, if you want... 06/03/2015

Tortolita Vistas in Marana - Tortolita Homes for Sale Built by MaracayMaracay Homes recently purchased 6 apx. one-acre lots at Tortolita Vista in NWTucson.  Costs for lots were roughly $169,279 per lot.This gated neighborhood is limited to only 55 homesites featuring all one-story home plan designs.Just to the west of Frys, this site is conveniently situated just north of Tangerine Road on Thornydale Road. Set in the foothills of the Tortolita mountain range, surrounded by stunning views -- a drive by is definitely in order!Builder, Maracay Homes, offer an array of home plans from approximately 2,777 to 3,978 square feet.All homes are Energy Star® certified with green features.Don't forget to always take buyer representation along with you on your first visit to new home sites.  Site ag... 04/11/2015

Family Safety Fair in Twin Peaks, Marana Neighborhood In just over two weeks, the Metz-Herdrich Farmers Insurance Agency is sponsoring a Family Safety Fair on Saturday, April 25, 2015.  The event will run from 10 am to 4 pm in the Twin Peaks Plaza, at the corner of Coachline and Twin Peaks Road, just off I-10 at the Twin Peaks Exit.  There are so many activities going on!! The Marana Police Department:  Fingerprinting and demonstrating child safety seats.  Northwest Fire Department:  The fire engine will be present, as well as hands on fire extinguisher demonstrations and a public information booth.  Arizona Game and Fish:  Here to inform you about water safety and off road vehicle safety.  Southwest Ambulance:  Alex the water ambulance will be at the event to help children overcome th... 04/06/2015

KB HOMES:  New Construction Growth in Gladden Farms Marana A few months back, KB Homes began new construction in the Somerset neighborhood, nestled in the Community of Gladden Farms, Marana.  The neighborhood is located about 5 minutes off I-10, traveling west on Tangerine Farms Road.  Situated just moments from the New Outlet Mall currently being built at Twin Peaks, this community offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city living, manicured parks and walkways, peaceful orchards, and mountain vistas. Here's a link to a quick neighborhood map here! Homes are affordable - Priced from $168,990 - $225,999.  Nearby, a new Elementary school begins construction this year as well, with enrollment opening for fall of 2016.  Also on the docket are new floor plans with three-car garages.... 03/25/2015

Dove Mountain Marana Market Snapshot for February 2015   In the Dove Mountain area, real estate is looking positive!  Inventory is up 8% from a year ago as well as a 240, yes 240% increase in closings from February stats in 2014. Months of Inventory has dropped to a more manageable level of about 9 months, versus almost 29 months of a year ago.  This means that the average house at the average price will currently take 9 months to sell. Median price of sold homes is up 15% from a year ago as well. What does this all mean?  It means there is a little more inventory, homes are selling quite a bit more quickly, and prices are going up.  Depending on whether you are looking to buy or sell in Dove Mountain, talk to a real estate professional about the right choices for you! 03/13/2015

Jackpot Equine offers Local Resource for Horses I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Lindsey Boone DVM at the Marana Founder's Day event in Marana this past weekend. Lindsey offers veterinary services for the greater area of Tucson and Marana, AZ!  You can check out her website here:  http://www.jackpotequineaz.com/ Established in 2014, Dr. Lindsey and Dr. Karla specialize in Equine services and completed internships at Arizona Equine. Dr. Lindsey graduated in 2013 from the Oklahoma State University.  She brings to the table a history with her family's horseback riding stables,  including a horsemanship program and rodeo arena.  She also is a Farrier and shares a special interest in Equine Podiatry. Jackpot Equine offers the following services for your horses, including emergency care: ROU... 03/08/2015

Skyranch Marana Homes For Sale February 2015 Gated Skyranch is just off Tangerine (or Thornydale, depending upon which way you are approaching the intersection of Tangerine and Thornydale) and Camino de Manana Roads. The community is home to custom, semi-custom, and build-to-suit homes, including architects and builders such as Stellar Gray, Cutshaw Yeager, and Meritage. It is located in a natural desert area of over 500 acres of natural desert preserve. Many Residents enjoy Tortolita, Tucson, and Catalina Mountain views from their property. Skyranch is served by the Marana Unified School District’s Ironwood Elementary School, Tortolita Middle School, and Mountain View High School.   Currently, as of February 22, 2015, there are 17 homes listed for sale.  Sizes range from 1652 to 3511 s... 02/24/2015

Continental Ranch, Twin Peaks, Marana Home Vendor Fair Mark your calendars for the first of three vendor fairs coming your way for the residents of NW Tucson:  Marana's Continental Ranch and Twin Peaks Neighborhood Event! Our first Quarterly Event focuses on updating and revamping the interior of your home for increased value and enjoyment! Session II will focus on the exterior of the home Session III will be about repairs and more     Donations and Non-Perishable food items will be collected for the Marana Community Food Bank. Don't miss this great neighborhood event with Shred-It Recycling! Events include all-event shredding for the cost of a food donation Home Depot and the Children's Workshop at 12:00 noon Tucson Electric Power and their Energy Saving Workshop from 12:45 to 2 p.m. H... 02/12/2015

  Continental Ranch Marana Community Page on Facebook   Just wanted to invite the folks of NW Tucson, including Marana, Continental Ranch, Twin Peaks, Gladden Farms, San Lucas, Dove Mountain, etc. to take advantage of this neighborhood opportunity.   The opportunity to showcase your business, hobbies, events and more on a local, public Facebook page.  The community needs to know about YOU!   Simply follow the link to Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/NWTucsonMaranaTwinPeaksContinentalRanch or start entering NWTucsonMaranaTwinPeaks ContinentalRanch in your Facebook search bar and it will probably show up sometime shortly after the letter M... See you on Facebook! 02/03/2015

Fog Over Gladden Farms Metropolitan Tucson Arizona.  Home to over 358 days of sunshine per year. Having a rare week - everyone is out taking photos of fog, clouds, rainfall. When I moved here in 2000 I thought people were crazy to get so excited about a little rain.   Now I understand. (Lake Gladden Farms) The desert is refreshed now. The air smells like spring.   01/31/2015

  Marana Winterfest 2015 on January 24, 2015  Coming up this week, lots of fun at the Marana Winterfest!  Sponsored by the Lions club, this year's event is held in the Sportsman's Club parking lot off Costco Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect plenty of vendors, food, food trucks, arts and crafts, car show, and runner extraordinare Dan Reston who will run continuously throughout the entire day.  Proceeds from the event go to help the Marana Food Bank.    Also available will be entertainment and a petting zoo.  Fun for the whole family!  In past years, over $400 has been raised for the Marana Food Bank.  One of your dollar bills has purchasing power of approximately $9.00 for the Food bank - so every little bit counts!   Over 3000 families are helped by the foodbank on a monthly basis.  ... 01/21/2015

SkyRanch Open House This Sunday January 18 1-4PM You'll want to see this modern home for sale, move in ready, in gated SkyRanch, Marana, AZ this weekend! Just over 3000 square feet, a versatile floor plan offers five bedrooms.  One complete suite is downstairs with full bath making it easy to have an in-law suite, special area for guests, live in relative, and more. The other four bedrooms encompass the upstairs along with another full guest bathroom, and loft area.  The master suite offers a large bathroom with separate shower and garden tub, as well as roomy closet space. Add in stunning mountain views from EVERY window, and you start to see why this might be your new home. Wanting a home office to keep things organized or wish to work out of your house?  A convenient space is located... 01/17/2015

    Marana is Our Town  - Marana is Your Town Just 90 minutes south of Phoenix, Marana’s borders incorporate both sides of Interstate 10 just northwest of Tucson, heading north towards the Pinal County Line. The Town of Marana covers a little more than 120 square miles and has an approximate population of 35,000.   Tourists are drawn to the community with the surrounding Sonoran Desert atmosphere, which is suited to being outdoors year-round. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, offers a world-class resort hotel and outstanding hiking, golf and spa facilities. Golf courses abound, and the Town of Marana is also investing in a future downtown development area with high-end shopping, dining and entertainment.  Currently, a large outdoor mall is under construction just off the Twin Peaks Inter... 01/14/2015

Is It Time to Sell Your Home in SkyRanch Marana? Skyranch is a master-planned community just west of Tangerine and Thornydale Roads in Marana, AZ.  Residents enjoy a variety of home styles including custom homes, and those built by Green builder - Meritage.  This gated community is surrounded by natural preserve, mountain views, towering cactus, and roomy lots. Currently there are 13 homes for sale (January 8, 2015) averaging $155.66 a square foot. (Custom homes average quite a bit more per square food, so this is not a strong community indicator) Meritage re-sale homes average $141.76 a square foot. Homes for sale in Skyranch range from 1652 square feet to 3412, and have been on the market an average of 88 days. (75 non-custom)  This is not surprising, coming off of the holidays.  Two ... 01/12/2015